The Embassy of Ukraine hosted a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

06 December 2016, 19:57

The Embassy of Ukraine hosted a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attended by representatives of the US government, Department of Defense, US Congress, defense industry, diplomatic corpse and local Ukrainian community.

The dignitary speakers included Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Ambassador of Ukraine Valeriy Chaly, Defense Attaché Major-General Volodymyr Havrylov and representative of the US Army Lt General Flora Darpino.

The Ambassador Valeriy Chaly congratulated the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who defend Ukraine's freedom and European frontiers, on their 25th anniversary and thanked the United States for providing support to enhancing Ukraine's defense capacity. He requested the guests to observe a moment of silence for the Ukrainian soldiers fallen as fighting against the Russian aggression.

Speakers emphasized on the strategic importance of Ukraine-US defense relations and a need to provide further assistance in building up modern Ukrainian Armed Forces in accordance to NATO standards. They highlighted a role of Ukrainian volunteers and diaspora in supporting the Ukrainian military during the most critical time of defending the country against Russian aggression.

Former senator (R) Richard Lugar, who 25 years ago has initiated and strongly supported the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program in assistance for Ukraine, was decorated with the Order of Liberty by Ambassador Chaly on behalf of the President of Ukraine. The senator expressed his gratitude for the award and highlighted the bipartisan character of support of Ukraine in the US Congress.

A cappella “Living in Song” performed the national anthems and Ukrainian Christmas carols at the reception.